If you actually think there’s a disco stick waiting to be freed from the duck tape that acts its personal prison between the legs of Lady GaGa, then you’re likely the type of fool to fall for a Nigerian email scam.
This woman is not a hermaphrodite, but what she is an artist skilled in the art of manipulating the press. It’s a talent that seems to have been lost on a generation. I honestly can’t think of any other popular female artist besides GaGa that’s been adept at playing the press on the levels of Madonna and Janet Jackson.
I’m sure their stans would love to argue that like Britney and Christina fit the bill, but:
I swore when someone sent this picture to me I thought it was Bret Michaels. I was so ready to respond with, “I don’t care about Rock of Love.”
As it turns out, that’s Britney Spears, which proves my point.
This poor girl, between her family, the pressure, and the lack of K-12 tutoring never stood a chance. Life and the media jumped her and while she may be off most of her meds, she’s not at the level she used to be.
Then you have Christina Aguilera, who thought she was ahead of the game giving her best Madonna impersonation to the press, but poor thing, Autotune may be for pussies, but look what flinging hers got you?
That’s why I don’t think either can be lumped into that media savvy category. Both have their talents, and each got as close to that level of celebrity as the aforementioned acts. Yet as far as outwitting the press, nah, not even a little bit.
Unlike the others, although I think GaGa has a gimmick I feel that it’s one of her own creation.
I don’t suspect there is a team of handlers around her pulling strings. If that were to be true, she probably wouldn’t be a star. You’ve seen the charts. Many of the industry folks couldn’t get you to buy an album with their money.
Not to rile up the older crowd, but GaGa, with her bisexual confirmations, outrageous outfits, and over-the-top sound bites and quotes is giving vintage Madonna. Only difference is these days it’s harder to shock people, so the most a person can do is start a rumor that the woman has an 8-ball and pool stick carefully tucked in her leotard.
On top of that, she is actually talented. She can sing, play instruments, and when she claims to be a songwriter I believe her.
It’s not, “Oh I used my star power to force a songwriter to give me publishing.” Or an instance of someone taking a pre-written song and adding a cough at the end of the track and getting credit for it. She actually writes.
Finally there is a pop star with a brain and actual skill who can joke the journalists
Every so often a new reader asks, “Do you like anyone?”
Instead of giving my usual, “No, actually I hate everyone – especially you,” I smiled and said, “You’ll see.”
And now you do.
Don’t trip, though: Until she records a song with Gucci Mane she’ll only go so hard.
Anonymous
August 13, 2009 at 7:39 am
True. She is the flavor of the moment, and she is one of the VERY FEW artists of this generation/decade that has the talent to be considered an artist (singing, songwriting, performing, capable of playing various musical instruments).
And yes, playing the press can be a skill in its own. Unfortunately, that's what 'artists' of today have used in order to create a buzz around themselves. But that too can only go so far, regardless of how secular the world is now as opposed to the 80's (ref: Madonna). It's only a matter of time before she begins to fade, unless she really digs deep and finds her "Thriller" that will help her etch her legacy in music in stone.
Bark + Bite
August 13, 2009 at 9:36 am
The hermaphrodite rumors are ridiculous, and I can't believe anyone takes them seriously. I too, like the fact that she's a product of her own making. She really seems to understand the game of celebrity and tilts it to her advantage. Britney, on the other hand, like Michael much later in his career, is an abused victim of it.
Michael
August 13, 2009 at 10:05 am
Spreading your legs and pausing for that Kodak to me isn't playing the press. It's falling in line. That's what I meant.
Not many even own up to their antics. She is different, and I get that sense from her interviews. As both I & Ricky put it, she's a product of her own making. I really respect that. She's interesting, and not because of who she is dating or some sex tape.
I don't think she needs a "Thriller." Madonna never had one, and we leave in a singles era these days. She's the perfect artist to test run on how the industry moves forward.
babygirlja
August 13, 2009 at 10:33 am
She is a hot ass mess and I love watching her. I don't know where the hell she gets these ideas for these outfits but it keeps in the tabloids and paparazzi will keep following her, hell here we are talking about her.
Misty Knight
August 13, 2009 at 2:01 pm
Uggggh…….
I just can't get into this chick!
I don't like her songs, and I think the whole schtick is "Avant Garde for Dummies". I don't need you to be a media mastermind, just make some shyt I can listen to, her voice isn't distinctive, the songs are forgettable, and she dresses like a douche. She doesn't take herself too seriuosly, that's cool, but that's where the interest ends for me.
I just cant fuck with her like that.
Anonymous
August 13, 2009 at 9:50 pm
@Michael
I don't believe spreading bush/bald eagle for attention is playing the press either. I really think it's a subtle form of prostitution, sans the actual act of sex (or for some maybe). I really meant that some artists (or their publicists) have to make up stories or give them a game plan (that doesn't involve them taking their clothes off) to get their name out there, only to deny it/back peddle later. In her case, I don't think she's an intersexual, but wouldn't it be funny if she had in some way influenced a rumor like that herself?
Although I don't follow her, I do have to give her props for being creative, daring, and different. That's how you play the game. She may or may not get slammed in the press for her antics but she IS in the press.
I only mentioned "Thriller" because I believe that if no one remembers Micheal Jackson for anything, they'll remember Thriller. Most music icons have those legendary record singles or albums that become so huge and define a period of time. That to me is the most important part of making a music artist relevant/legendary, including also what makes a celebrity (the clothes, the behavior, the philanthropy, etc).
I only said that she will fade because she can go only so far with gimmicks, considering we are in a world where we've pretty much seen it all, heard it all, read it all, and people will want to go back to the music. But maybe that's just me being cynical because I'm 4 months away from graduating and I'm still unemployed (LOL!!!SOB…)
And you are right. This is a 'singles' world. Now I understand why some artists only have 8-10 songs on an entire album as opposed to a few years back when there were 17-20 songs on an album. The last album I bought was TIP's Paper Trail because I was excited about the ENTIRE album, not just one single, where as I only download singles from various artists off amazon and Itunes.
MzVirgo
August 14, 2009 at 8:52 am
I think Lady Gaga is overrated. I can't get into her songs.
And Britney's weave looks a hot mess LOL.
Christina's T-shirt, it's cute, but I don't see T-Pain shaking in his boots still. I would rather someone else besides her wear that shirt.
jaedalaurez
August 15, 2009 at 6:30 am
I love the GaGa. She's unapologetically over the top, writes her own, she can actually sing live and although she is Warhol-factory lite, she really seems to enjoy the spectacle instead of taking herself ultra-seriously (which, IMO, gives her one over ol' Andy).
I fuxs with her.
Taj
August 18, 2009 at 8:20 pm
I`m not a fan.
Flashing your goodies doesn`t make you media savvy. (Janet Jackson)
Spreading rumors about being a hermaphrodite doesn`t either. (Ciara)
Dressing up like its halloween doesn`t make you an 'artist' or 'genuine.' Aren`t you tired of that "i`m so different" shit? (Rihanna)
She`s doing the same things as the hoes we love to hate, IMO. I don`t see anything (talent wise) that makes her unforgettable.
yet another black guy
August 27, 2009 at 11:57 pm
I just don't get the heffa.